Radio frequency patch antenna and system for permitting secure access to a restricted area
A wireless device access system employs short-range wireless communication to require the proximity of a user device to a restricted area prior to communicating an unlock request. The access system authenticates the unlock request and the proximity of the user to the restricted area prior to transmitting an unlock command to an access governor. Additionally, the access system uses an access node configured to shape the radiation pattern of short-range wireless communications to better determine the position of a user proximate to an access governor.
1. An access system allowing a user to access a restricted area using a wireless user device, the access system comprising:
a database storing access permissions identifying at least one wireless user device authorized to access said restricted area and one access node authorized to permit access to said restricted area;
an access governor including a locking device securing a restricted area, said locking device having a short-range wireless receiver suitable for receiving unlock commands and responding by allowing a user access to said restricted area;
an access node, separate from said locking device, positioned near said restricted area, comprising:
an antenna configured to emit a short-range wireless radio for connecting to the wireless user device;
a power source communicatively coupled to said antenna; and
at least one enclosure comprising a backing plate have a peripheral edge and a cover plate, wherein said enclosure houses said antenna and said power source, wherein said cover plate is configured to couple to said backing plate and enclose said antenna and power source;
a server operable to receive an unlock request associated with a wireless user device and a structure from said access node and transmit an authorized request to said access node upon authorizing said unlock request using said database,
wherein said unlock request is authorized only if received from an access node authorized to permit access to said restricted area and originated from a wireless user device authorized to access said restricted area.
2. The access system of claim 1 , further comprising a pressure sensitive mat communicatively connected to the access node, wherein said pressure sensitive mat is configured to sense the presence of the user on the pressure sensitive mat and determine if the user is an authorized user based on input from the access node and server.
3. The access system according to claim 1 , wherein said antenna of said access node, comprises:
a first short-range wireless radio using a wireless networking standard for receiving a wireless access request directly from a wireless user device; and
a second short-range wireless radio using a wireless networking standard to transmit an unlock command directly to said locking device to permit access to said restricted area in response to receiving an authorized request.
4. The access system according to claim 1 , wherein said wireless user device is a mobile telephone.
5. The access system according to claim 4 , further comprising a secondary authenticator.
6. The access system according to claim 4 , wherein said access node is configured to trigger a fee to an electronic wallet that is linked to user when said server requires a fee to enter or exit said restricted area.
7. The access system according to claim 3 , wherein said first short-range wireless radio uses first wireless networking standard for receiving a wireless access request directly from a wireless user device; and
said second short-range wireless radio uses a second wireless networking standard which is different than said first wireless networking standard.
8. The access system of claim 2 , wherein said access node further comprises an indicator communicatively coupled to said antenna.
9. The access system of claim 8 wherein said indicator is configured to provide a notification to said access governor, said indicator having a short-range wireless receiver suitable for receiving access commands and responding by notifying said access governor whether to allow a user access to said restricted area.
10. The access system according to claim 2 , wherein said indicator has a short range wireless transmitter suitable for sending access notifications to another wireless device indicating the accessibility of user to said restricted area.
11. The access system according to claim 2 , wherein said access node is configured to trigger a fee to an electronic wallet that is linked to user when said server requires a fee to enter or exit said restricted area.
12. The access system according to claim 3 , wherein said first short-range wireless radio uses first wireless networking standard for receiving a wireless access request directly from a wireless user device; and
said second short-range wireless radio uses a second wireless networking standard which is different than said first wireless networking standard.
13. The access system according to claim 1 , wherein said access node and pressure sensitive mat are configured to track the location of the user, wherein said access node and pressure sensitive mat trigger a debit of an e-wallet associated with the user when the user reaches a pre-determined point on the pressure sensitive mat.